The letters 'PG' in a DVSA prohibition notice stand for 'Prohibition of Use'. This reference guide explains each PG code, from the headline PG9 to the lesser-known variants, so you know exactly what you are looking at.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) can issue a number of different PG notices. In the context of DVSA prohibition notices, the letters "PG" stand for "Prohibition of Use". Each carries a specific meaning, and recognising them helps operators respond quickly and protect their Operator Licence. Below is a reference list of the PG notices issued by the DVSA.
| Code | Notice | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| PG9 | Prohibition Notice (immediate or delayed) | Issued when an examiner finds a vehicle unfit for service due to defects. The vehicle may be prohibited immediately, or within a specified period not exceeding 10 days. |
| PG9A | Delayed Prohibition Notice | Issued for minor defects that do not pose an immediate risk. The prohibition takes effect within a specified period (up to 10 days) to allow repairs. |
| PG9B | Authorisation to Move a Vehicle | Authorises a prohibited vehicle to be moved to a nominated place of repair or storage. |
| PG9C | Refusal to Remove Prohibition | States that a prohibited vehicle whose defects remain unrepaired may not be driven again until they are put right. |
| PG9D | Overweight / Overloaded Vehicle | Prohibits an overweight or overloaded vehicle from driving until the excess weight has been removed. |
| PG9E | Prohibition Notice Continuation | A continuation sheet used when there is not enough space on the PG9 to list all defects. |
The DVSA can issue defect-specific PG9 variants. In each case, the vehicle may be prohibited from driving until the relevant fault is repaired or replaced:
PG10 — Removal of Prohibition Notice. Issued by a DVSA examiner once a prohibited vehicle's defects have been repaired, this notice authorises the vehicle to be driven again. To obtain a PG10, the repaired vehicle must be presented for inspection at a DVSA station or an authorised facility.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| PG11 | Issued where a vehicle carries dangerous goods without correct documentation; the vehicle is immobilised until the documentation is produced. |
| PG12 | Issued where a vehicle is in a condition likely to cause danger to other road users; immobilised until defects are rectified. |
| PG13 | Issued where a vehicle is operated by an unlicensed driver; the driver is prohibited from driving it and may be prosecuted. |
| PG14 | Issued where a driver is unfit to drive through alcohol or drugs; the driver is prohibited from driving and may be prosecuted. |
A single PG notice can signal a wider gap in your maintenance system — and how you respond matters. For a fuller explanation of these and other regulatory notices, see our guide to notices issued by the Traffic Commissioner, or strengthen your systems with our maintenance and workshop support. For any transport compliance query, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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